What is Happy Treason Day? Meme trends online on the Fourth of July

Fourth of July is celebrated all over the United States as the American Independence Day, but if you are British, you'd remember this day as Treason Day. The Fourth of July is considered one of the most important secular federal holidays in the U.S.A., celebrating their independence from British rule. While for the average American, this is a great reason to let loose and enjoy, with many Americans across the country indulging in BBQs and lighting off fireworks, the Brits feel otherwise.

The Fourth of July celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in 1776, thereby announcing the separation of the colonies from Great Britain. Though the Constitution provides a legal framework for the United States, the Declaration of Independence, with its strong assertion that "all men are created equal," strikes a chord with all Americans.

---

Why is the Fourth of July called Treason Day by Brits?

Treason Day is how the British refer to American Independence Day. According to UrbanDictionary, Treason Day is defined as

"The 4th of July when Americans celebrate their ancestors betrayal of their rightful King because they didn't want to pay tax to fund the Royal Navy. They also celebrate having the world's largest military for which they pay large amounts of tax."

In 1776, King George III of England received a letter explaining why Congress voted in favor of declaring independence from British rule. The reason why Brits joke every year on Independence day is because the 56 Congressmen who signed the declaration were committing a huge act of treason, and they could have been put to death for their crime.

---

People are using memes to wish 'Happy Treason Day'

Happy Treason Day memes are trending on Twitter (image via Pinterest/Juliana Jenkins-Gaciarek)

The Brits seem to be having a field day on Twitter, with them sharing 'Happy Treason Day' memes on social media. They seem to be stealing all the limelight from Americans who are sharing 'Happy Independence Day' posts on the site.

The most popular one is a picture of the Union Jack with the caption 'Happy Treason Day' written on top.

Many memes refer to Americans as 'ungrateful colonials' since they did not want to be ruled by the British empire.

---

Some interesting facts about the Fourth of July

• Colonists set up a mock funeral King George III of England to symbolise the end of British rule in America.
• John Adams, a Founding Father and the second president of the United States, refused to attend Fourth of July events because he felt strongly that July 2 should have been celebrated as Independence day.
• Both Founding Fathers John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826.
• Fourth of July became a federal holiday only in 1870, and became a paid holiday for federal employees only as late as 1941.
• Thomas Jefferson was the first President of the United States to celebrate American Independence day in the White House in 1801.